07/05/2026
While many were celebrating 🇺🇸 Independence Day 🇺🇸 with family and friends, East Rivanna’s volunteers were answering the call.
In less than 24 hours on July 4, our members were dispatched to 27 emergency calls while simultaneously staffing the fireworks display at Keswick Hall and keeping our Cooling Center open for members of the community seeking relief from the extreme heat.
As the evening progressed, a powerful storm swept through our area, bringing damaging winds, lightning, heavy rain, and hail. Alongside our career and volunteer partners from across Albemarle County and the surrounding area, our crews responded to numerous reports of downed trees, lightning strikes, and house fires, working together to protect lives and property.
Among those calls was a devastating incident in Keswick where a massive tree crashed into a family’s home. Our volunteers conducted patient extrication, fire suppression, hazard mitigation, and helping the family through one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
This is what it means to be a volunteer firefighter or EMT. It means missing part of your holiday so someone else can have help on theirs. It means answering the pager when your community needs you most.
Days like July 4 remind us why we always need more volunteers.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a firefighter, EMT, or support member, now is the time. We provide the training, equipment, and mentorship. All we ask is a willingness to serve.
Visit https://www.ervfc.org/volunteer or send us a message to learn how you can become part of the East Rivanna family.
To every one of our volunteers, and to our career and volunteer partners who stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout a demanding Independence Day, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our community. We are proud to serve alongside you. 🇺🇸💚
